Food vouchers scheme extended into summer holiday in Cambridgeshire
A scheme which provides food vouchers for families of children receiving free school meals in Cambridgeshire has been extended into the summer holidays.
The vouchers – which will automatically be sent to eligible families in Cambridgeshire – is a continuation of the scheme which operated in previous school holidays and half term breaks.
Although the amount of Government grant has been reduced, the new Joint Administration at Cambridgeshire County Council agreed to allocate an additional £570,000 to the scheme to keep benefits at their previous level.
Two £42 supermarket vouchers will be issued – the first by 23 July followed by a second by 13 August. The vouchers will be sent by email and text to the nominated parent or carer. The vouchers do not need to be used in a single shopping trip and once claimed will last for at least a year.
Year 6 pupils will receive vouchers from their primary school, while eligible Year 11 and Y13 students will receive a voucher even though they have left school.
The supermarket vouchers will be allocated to parents / carers whose child or children meet the following criteria:
• Funded Childcare and Education for 2-year-olds under the income-based criteria (children aged 2)
• Early Years Pupil Premium under the income-based criteria (children aged 3 and 4)
• Eligible for Free School Meals in Primary and Secondary schools (children and young people aged 4 to 16)
• Students in Sixth Forms eligible for Free School meals (young people aged 16-19)
If a child receives Universal Infant Free School Meals (in Reception, Y1 and Y2) but does not meet the criteria for Income-Related Free School Meals, that child will not be eligible for a supermarket voucher during the summer holiday period.
It is important that potentially eligible families who do not already receive free school meals apply as soon as possible, so they can be allocated the Direct Food Vouchers. Information on how to apply can be found on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website here.
Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee said: “I am delighted that we are again able to offer financial help to struggling families in the form of supermarket vouchers. The new Joint Administration at the County Council is committed to providing support to the children and their families in recognition of ongoing impact of the pandemic and decided it was imperative to top up the grant offered by the Government to make a real difference to those families who need it most.”
Queries in relation to free school meal entitlement can be emailed to the Education Welfare Benefits Team on ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or by telephoning them on 01223 703200.
As a result of the pandemic, there are many families that may need further support who are eligible for the Direct Food Voucher Scheme. There will also be families who do not meet the above criteria but are in need of support.
There is also a network of hubs run by the city and district councils that will be able to help families access further support. Details can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/wintersupport Local hubs can also be contacted on 0345 045 5219 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.